Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker knows that next summer's meeting with club captain Robin van Persie will be a very tough encounter indeed.
The German centre-back will take on the Dutch striker when their two nations clash in Group B of the 2012 European Championships and the Gunners' summer signing knows it will be a massive test.
"This is not a friendly though, it's a tough game and therefore both of us want to go through the group stage.
"It will be very tough to stop Robin. I think his best position is in the front, in the middle [as a striker]. There he can use his unbelievable skills. He is so reliable in scoring goals it is incredible.
"It's a good group; obviously it's one of the best at the Euros. I'm looking forward to playing those big teams and players like Robin.""He said he would be happy to see me next summer - that was the first thing he said after the draw," Mertesacker told the club's official website.
Germany and Holland will also take on Denmark and Portugal in a very tough group with all games to be played un Ukraine.
